The proper use of chemical disinfectants is a critical aspect of infection control, as outlined by the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC). Chemical disinfectants are used to eliminate or reduce pathogenic microorganisms on inanimate objects, and their effective application requires adherence to specific protocols to ensure safety and efficacy. Let’s evaluate each option based on infection control standards:
A. All items to be processed must be cleaned prior to being submerged in solution.: This statement is a fundamental principle of disinfectant use. Cleaning (e.g., removing organic material such as blood, tissue, or dirt) is a prerequisite before disinfection because organic matter can inactivate or reduce the effectiveness of chemical disinfectants. The CBIC emphasizes that proper cleaning is the first step in the disinfection process to ensure that disinfectants can reach and kill microorganisms. This step is universally required for all levels of disinfection (low, intermediate, and high), making it a characterizing feature of proper use.
B. The label on the solution being used must indicate that it kills all viable micro-organisms.: This statement is misleading. No disinfectant can be guaranteed to kill 100% ofall viable microorganisms under all conditions, as efficacy depends on factors like contact time, concentration, and the presence of organic material. Disinfectant labels typically indicate the types of microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, viruses, fungi) and the level of disinfection (e.g., high-level, intermediate-level) they are effective against, based on standardized tests (e.g., EPA or FDA guidelines). Claiming that a solution kills all viable microorganisms is unrealistic and not a requirement for proper use; instead, the label must specify the intended use and efficacy, which varies by product.
C. The solution should be adaptable for use as an antiseptic.: An antiseptic is a chemical agent used on living tissue (e.g., skin) to reduce microbial load, whereas a disinfectant is used on inanimate surfaces. While some chemicals (e.g., alcohol) can serve both purposes, this is not a requirement for proper disinfectant use. The adaptability of a solution for antiseptic use is irrelevant to its classification or application as a disinfectant, which focuses on environmental or equipment decontamination. This statement does not characterize proper disinfectant use.
D. A chemical indicator must be used with items undergoing high-level disinfection.: Chemical indicators (e.g., test strips or tapes) are used to verify that the disinfection process has met certain parameters (e.g., concentration or exposure time), particularly in sterilization or high-level disinfection (HLD). While this is a recommended practice for quality assurance in HLD (e.g., with glutaraldehyde or hydrogen peroxide), it is not a universal requirement for all chemical disinfectant use. HLD applies specifically to semi-critical items (e.g., endoscopes), and the need for indicators depends on the protocol and facility standards. This statement is too narrow and specific to characterize the proper use of chemical disinfectants broadly.
The correct answer is A, as cleaning prior to disinfection is a foundational and universally applicable step in the proper use of chemical disinfectants. This aligns with CBIC guidelines, which stress the importance of a clean surface to maximize disinfectant efficacy and prevent infection transmission in healthcare settings.
